Now is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.

However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.

"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."

Availability Issues Loom Large

With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Injured Players

Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.